Lakewood Ranch is a master-planned community located in Manatee County, Florida, United States. It was developed by Schroeder-Manatee Ranch, Inc. (SMR) in the 1990s and has since become one of the fastest-growing communities in Florida.

The community spans over 31,000 acres and is home to approximately 35,000 residents. It offers a variety of housing options, including single-family homes, townhouses, and condominiums, with prices ranging from around $200,000 to over $1 million. Lakewood Ranch is known for its well-maintained landscapes, abundant nature preserves, and numerous parks and trails.

Residents of Lakewood Ranch have access to a variety of amenities, including top-rated schools, healthcare facilities, shopping centers, restaurants, and entertainment venues. The community also boasts several golf courses, including the Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club, which has hosted several professional golf tournaments.

Lakewood Ranch is conveniently located just a few miles east of I-75, which provides easy access to major cities such as Sarasota and Tampa. The community is also just a short drive from the Gulf of Mexico, making it an ideal location for outdoor enthusiasts.

Overall, Lakewood Ranch is a highly desirable community in Florida, offering a high quality of life with a range of amenities and activities to suit every lifestyle.

Population:

• Population (2020): 34,877
• Median age (2022): 50
• Residents under 18 (2023): Appx. 19.2%
• Residents over 65 (2023): 30%
• Population by sex (2023): Male 50%, Female 50%
• Married Population (2023): 57%
• Population change (2010-2020): N/A
• Homeowners and renters (2023): Homeowners (61%), Renters (14%)
• Poverty rate compared to US national average (2023): N/A

Demographics (2022):

• White Non Hispanic – 78%,
• Black Non Hispanic – 11%,
• Asian – 6%, Hispanic – 9%

*Prices shown are based only on activity for the dates specified

Income:

• Median household income (2023): $110,000
• Avg. per capita income (2023): N/A

Tax:

• County property tax rate: .93% ( Manatee ) or 1.23% ( Sarasota ) of a property’s assessed fair market value (2023)
• Combined state and county sales tax rate: 7% (2023)

Cost of Living:

• Average cost of living compared to US national average: N/A
• Cost of housing compared to Florida average: N/A
• Cost of food compared to US national average: N/A
• Cost of healthcare compared to US national average: N/A
• Cost of utilities compared to US national average: N/A
• Cost of transportation compared to US national average: N/A

Political affiliation based on 2024 election results: Majority voted Republican

Largest 3 employers: Lakewood Ranch Medical Center, Publix Super Markets, and Lakewood Ranch Inter-District Authority

School ratings: Rated A by the Florida Department of Education

Coastal: No

Average low and high temperature: N/A

Amenities/attractions:

• Nathan Benderson Park, Lakewood Ranch Main Street, Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club, Lakewood Ranch Medical Center, and Premier Sports Campus.

Location and Amenities:

 

Highways:

• Interstate 75 (I-75): The community is located adjacent to I-75, making it easily accessible. The distance to I-75 depends on your specific location within Lakewood Ranch, but it can be as close as a few minutes away.

International Airports:

• Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (SRQ): This is the closest international airport to Lakewood Ranch, located approximately 12 miles southwest. The travel time is around 20-25 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.
• Tampa International Airport (TPA): Located approximately 56 miles north of Lakewood Ranch, the travel time to TPA is typically around 1 hour, depending on traffic.

Universities and Colleges:

• University of South Florida (USF) Sarasota-Manatee: This university campus is located approximately 9 miles southwest of Lakewood Ranch. The travel time is around 15-20 minutes.
• State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota (SCF): The main campus of SCF is situated approximately 11 miles south of Lakewood Ranch, with a travel time of around 20-25 minutes.

Hospitals:

• Lakewood Ranch Medical Center: This hospital is located within the Lakewood Ranch community, making it very convenient. The exact distance and travel time would depend on your specific location within Lakewood Ranch.
• Sarasota Memorial Hospital: Located approximately 14 miles southwest of Lakewood Ranch, the travel time is around 20-25 minutes.

Shopping Malls:

• The Mall at University Town Center: This upscale shopping mall is located approximately 5 miles southwest of Lakewood Ranch, with a travel time of around 10-15 minutes.
• Ellenton Premium Outlets: Situated approximately 16 miles north of Lakewood Ranch, the travel time is around 20-25 minutes.

Major Cities:

• Lakewood Ranch is situated between Sarasota and Bradenton.

Short Term Rental Regulations:

** All short term rental operations in Florida must obtain a business license from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation ( DBPR ) and a Florida Department of Revenue Certificate of Sales and Use. ** Short term rental regulations can be subject to change and should always be confirmed with city / towns or county departments.

Restrictions: 

• The minimum stay requirements in Sarasota county is 7 Days and 7 Nights, however, this may be subject to change.
• Zoning restrictions may apply
• Visit website below for details

For further details contact – scgov.net or mymanatee.org